July 17-19 Weekend programs at Wild River StatePark

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This weekend's highlight is Wild River Day, which celebrates one of the most important natural resources in Wild River State Park.  The St.
Croix River is the focus of all the interpretive programs on Saturday, July 18.  Kids will learn about the creatures that call the river home, guest presenter Jay Krienitz will explain why the river is called a Wild River, and the evening program will show photographs of how the river was used during the logging era.  Between programs, enjoy the river on your own.  Enjoy fishing from the shoreline without a license.  No equipment is provided.  Canoe the river with Wild River Canoe Rental.
Visit their booth near the river access or call 651-270-1561 for reservations.  Hike up to the Nevers Dam site to see the remnants of a structure that had a major impact on the river.


Friday, July 17  9 p.m. at the campground amphitheater. 
Two Little Owls.  Have you ever heard of a winged tiger?  It’s a name sometimes applied to great horned owls.  The young owls in this film look more like kittens, but they will grow up to be skilled and powerful predators.  Learn a few of the fascinating abilities owls use in order to be successful.

Saturday, July 18   10 a.m. at the boat landing.    Just For Kids!
Join us down  at the boat landing (river access) for this week’s Just for Kids! program. The topic is aquatic habitats. We will  learn all about the river ecosystem and how different organisms thrive in this special environment. Be prepared to get your feet wet!  Ages 6-10.

Saturday, July 18 1 p.m. at the visitor center.  A WILD and SCENIC River Hike!
How did Wild River State Park get its name?  The St. Croix River is federally designated a Wild River as part of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.  Join Jay Krienitz, the DNR’s Scenic Easements Coordinator to learn more about Minnesota’s nearly 600 miles of Wild and Scenic Rivers.  Walk down to the St. Croix to get a closer look at just why this river is so valuable and worth protecting!  The hike will be about one mile.

Saturday, July 18   9 p.m. at the campground amphitheater.  Loggers’
Tales - The Story of the Great St. Croix White Pine Logging Era Told in Photos Have you ever seen a 200-foot tall pine tree in Minnesota?  You could have if you had been in the St. Croix Valley in the 1800s.  This program  uses 19th century photos and some help from the audience to tell the story of the lumberjacks who worked in Minnesota’s biggest forest. 

Sunday, July 19   11 a.m. at the visitor center. 
Slithery Snakes!  Are snakes slithery, sneaky, and slimy?  Or are they cool, quiet, and cautious?  Learn about the snakes found in this park, see live examples (Ripley, a 5 3/4 foot bull snake, and Winnie the garter snake), and touch - if you dare - a representative of this fascinating group of animals.  Feeding time is after the program, for those who want to watch.